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Extended Care Facility > Fall Prevention & Home Safety
Statistics
- 40% of falls
occur at home
- If you’re over 65
you have a 1 in 3
chance of falling
- Falls account for
87% of fractures in
people over 65
Reduce Risk of Falls
- Exercise- It improves strength,
balance & coordination.
- Remove Hazards- Take steps to
make living areas safer.
- Medications- Have physician
review all medications to reduce
side effects and interactions.
- Vision & Hearing- Have checked
yearly. Poor vision can increase
risk of falling. Hearing plays an
important part in balance and
space perception.
Bathroom Safety
- Install grab bars, don’t use towel
racks
- Use bath mats or non-skid strips in tubs
- Sit on a tub bench & use a hand-held shower to bathe
- Hang wet towels
or clothes so they don’t drip on the floor
- Have raised toilet seat or
rails installed
- Leave a night light on
- Sit down to shave, brush teeth,
put on makeup and dress
Home Safety Tips
- Pick up throw rugs & replace carpet that is worn
or puckered
- Keep extension & phone cords out of traffic areas
- Sit on firm, high
furniture with arm rests
- Don’t put items on the floor that you might
trip
over such as newspapers or magazines
- Be careful around pets, they’re
easy to trip over
- Have good lighting
- Carry loads that are small enough not to block
your vision
- Store frequently used items within easy reach
- Use a step ladder or step
stool to reach high
places, don’t over reach or stand on a chair
- Close drawers & doors
after use
- Fill holes & depressions around your property
- Move slowly from lying
down to sitting to
standing, take a minute or two to adjust to
position changes
- Turn on the light & put on your glasses if getting
up in the night, remember to use your cane or
walker
- Cordless phone-within reach
- Wear shoes with pliable soles & low heels
- Stairs- Install sturdy railings & hold onto at least
one when going up and down. Make sure the
stairway is well lit and free of clutter. Never put
throw rugs at the top or bottom of steps. Use
extra care going up and down when wearing high
heels, slippers, long dresses or robes.
- TAKE YOUR TIME!!!
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